I was surprised to read that the author has written his life’s story instead of his experiences in the Marine Corps. I really understand his childhood because I was born into an abusive family. Like Joel, there were days when I was doubtful that I would survive my family. But then came the time when Joel enlisted in the Marine Corps. It was during the height of the Vietnam War. He fought with his unit during the Tet offensive and lost many men in his unit. This crushed him. He prayed to dedicate his life to God after all the horror of war.

I am in a 3rd generation Marine Corp family. My Marines have fought in many wars. We just lost our veteran of Iwo Jima and Korea. My husband fought in Vietnam up in Chu Lai. Our son just retired after a 20-year career as a Marine Corps Aviator.

This story is well-written and easy to read. I would be curious to know what other veterans think. An interesting addition to any biography of a wartime Marine.